With about 4,000 UK companies required to sign up to the energy saving aspirations of the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme, almost half have already done so, reports the Environment Agency.

Almost 1,700 firms have pledged to adhere to the energy saving obligations of the initiative, including major brands such as McDonald's, Nando's and Hilton Worldwide.

The scheme requires participants to reduce their energy use in order to lower their carbon emissions associated with the power they use on a day-to-day basis.

Environment Agency head of climate change and sustainable development Tony Grayling says: "Over 90 per cent of organisations know about the Carbon Reduction Commitment and those that haven't registered already are preparing to do so."

However, time is running out for the remaining 2,300 brands to register with the scheme, as the final deadline is set for the end of September.

Mr Grayling urges the remainder to contact the Environment Agency, adding that those who genuinely attempt to beat the deadline need not fear facing fines if they are unable to complete their registration in time.